Scaling Up Success Podcast

Johnny Els, founder of True Fit Academy, joins Ryan to discuss the critical intersection of physical discipline and business performance. A former collegiate swimmer and triathlon coach, Johnny breaks down why high-performing leaders often fail at personal health—not due to a lack of effort, but a lack of structured strategy. He details his work helping veterans transition into civilian life by re...

When you are in the thick of building a business, legal protections often feel like a "someday" problem—until a cease and desist letter arrives. In this episode, Ryan sits down with Tiffany Donaldson, a trademark educator and attorney who is transforming how founders view intellectual property. Tiffany breaks down the critical difference between simply having a logo and owning a protecta...

In this episode, Ryan Van Ornum sits down with serial entrepreneur Justin Banner, the creator of Noggin. Justin shares the compelling story behind the creation of Noggin—a solution born from the struggle of a restaurant owner who felt "married" to his business. They discuss how digital checklists and automated systems can provide business owners with the visibility and freedom to step aw...

In this episode, Ryan sits down with Neil Twa, the founder of Voltage, to discuss the high-stakes world of building, scaling, and exiting e-commerce brands. Neil shares his transition from affiliate marketing to owning the product asset, explaining how he creates intrinsic value and automation through physical products. He reveals his unique philosophy that he doesn't just sell products to con...

In this episode, Ryan sits down with Makoto Kern, founder of Impact and a three-time Inc 5000 honoree, to discuss the gritty reality of scaling a digital product agency. Makoto challenges the current AI hype, warning executives about the "AI Competence Gap"—the dangerous assumption that AI tools can immediately replace skilled human judgment in coding and design. Beyond technology, Makot...

In this episode of Scaling Up Success, host Ryan Van Ornum sits down with Kelly Price, Founder of Thrive HR, to discuss her transition from corporate burnout to building a successful fractional HR firm. Kelly shares her raw and inspiring journey of leaving a stable 15-year corporate career to bet on herself, only to face immediate adversity when her husband lost his job and she suffered a personal...

In this episode of the Scaling Up Success Podcast, host Ryan Van Ornum sits down with Irfan Jafrey, the founder of Roosterly, a leading low-cost social media management tool. Irfan shares his journey of growing a company to 75 employees and serving over 2,500 customers across North America and Europe. They discuss the realities of modern entrepreneurship, moving past the "hustle culture"...

In this powerhouse episode of Scaling Up Success, Ryan sits down with the unstoppable LaDonna Lockhart, the founder and CEO of MaxClass, an innovative MLS education provider that’s rewriting the rules of mortgage and financial learning. LaDonna opens up about her unlikely leap into entrepreneurship, the pivotal conversations that sparked MaxClass, and how she transformed industry expertise into a...

What if the real road to wealth had nothing to do with hustle culture, and everything to do with rewiring the way you think about money? On this episode of the Scaling Up Success Podcast, host Ryan Van Ornum sits down with the incredible Leisa Peterson, author, money mindset expert, and founder of Wealth Clinic. With 30 years in the world of finance and over a decade coaching entrepreneurs, Leisa...

What if the greatest superheroes in the world aren’t in Marvel or DC, but are the kids battling chronic health conditions every single day? On this explosive episode of the Scaling Up Success Podcast, Ryan Van Ornum sits down with Gary Forbes, former NBA player turned visionary creator of Soul Survivors, a groundbreaking multimedia comic universe built to empower, educate, and inspire over 300 mil...

What if building a successful real estate business wasn’t about luck or “overnight success,” but about mindset, leadership, and surrounding yourself with the right people? On this episode of the Scaling Up Success Podcast, host Ryan Van Ornum sits down with Russ Nolting, Regional Director of Keller Williams Colorado, owner of multiple offices, and a powerhouse in real estate leadership. Russ share...

What if building a successful business wasn’t just about working harder, but about using the right mindset, leadership, and strategy to actually turn ideas into reality? On this episode of the Scaling Up Success Podcast, host Ryan Van Ornum sits down with Reilly Fredrickson, entrepreneur, visionary, and founder of Calton Homes LLC, to unpack what it really takes to lead, grow, and scale with impac...

What if scaling your business wasn’t about chasing every new tech trend, but about using the right tools, mindset, and leadership to actually transform the way you operate? On this episode of the Scaling Up Success Podcast, host Ryan Van Ornum sits down with Christopher Carter, tech visionary, SAP expert, and the powerhouse CEO behind Approyo, to unpack what it really takes to build a company that...

What if building a real estate empire wasn’t just about closing deals, but about creating community, opportunity, and a life you’re proud of? On this episode of the Scaling Up Success Podcast, host Ryan Van Ornum sits down with Greg Luczak, Founder and CEO of Luczak Real Estate, one of the top-performing real estate teams in Colorado Springs. Greg is known not only for his industry-leading product...

What if growing your business was less about cold calls and more about building relationships that actually stick? On this episode of the Scaling Up Success Podcast, host Ryan Van Ornum chats with Lavelle McFarland, insurance pro and relationship-building wizard, about how he went from small-town Nebraska roots to running a thriving, 100% referral-based business. Lavelle spills the secrets to buil...

What if growing your business could actually be…fun? In this episode of Scaling Up Success, Ryan Van Ornum sits down with Noelle Peterson, the brains behind Start Smart Systems. Noelle has made it her mission to help entrepreneurs get their businesses running smoothly while they focus on what they love. From her early days as a pastor’s wife and government employee to running a thriving business t...

What if success wasn’t just about scaling a company, but about scaling impact? On this episode of the Scaling Up Success Podcast, host Ryan Van Ornum sits down with Jimi Gibson, Executive Leader at Thrive Internet Marketing Agency, to explore the power of purpose-driven growth, company culture, and staying ahead in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. With over 20 years in the industry, Thrive ha...

What if the secret to scaling your business wasn’t just strategy, but strength, discipline, and heart? In this inspiring episode of the Scaling Up Success Podcast, Ryan Van Ornum sits down with Amanda Taylor, real estate investor, entrepreneur, and founder of Metropolis Business Development, to talk about what it really takes to grow, lead, and thrive. Amanda’s journey is one of hustle, reinventio...

What if the best way to connect, inspire, and even heal, was through laughter? In this episode of Scaling Up Success, Ryan Van Ornum chats with Mel Austin, a comedian, keynote speaker, and founder of Laugh2Success. With over 30 years in clean comedy, Mel has turned humor into more than a performance, it’s a way to help people feel better, connect, and grow. From corporate workshops to military out...

What if scaling your business didn’t mean adding more to your plate, but actually freeing up your time to focus on what matters most? On this episode of the Scaling Up Success Podcast, host Ryan Van Ornum sits down with Christopher Roberts, founder of CSR Solutions, to unpack how business owners can use video not just for marketing, but to build systems that scale. Chris shares how internal videos...

What if the path to success wasn’t just about talent, but also about preparation, hustle, and building the right team? On this episode of the Scaling Up Success Podcast, Ryan Van Ornum chats with Michelle Edwards, founder of WireWood Station and a powerhouse musician with a story that spans classical symphonies, touring with Wayne Newton, and creating one of Colorado’s most dynamic live bands. Mic...

What if building wealth wasn’t about chasing money, but about staying disciplined, taking smart risks, and believing in yourself when things get tough? In this episode of the Scaling Up Success Podcast, Ryan Van Ornum sits down with Joseph McNeal, an Army veteran and real estate broker who turned his military mindset into a life of freedom and purpose. Joseph opens up about how he used his VA loan...

What if the real key to success isn’t just grinding harder, but showing up every day with purpose, resilience, and a never-quit mindset? On this episode of the Scaling Up Success Podcast, Ryan Van Ornum chats with Ignacio Martinez, founder of VersaPro Solutions and all-around problem-solver, about the hustle, heart, and habits behind building a business and a better life. From helping small busine...

What if the secret to crushing your goals isn’t just talent, training, or hustle, but actually being unapologetically you? On this episode of the Scaling Up Success Podcast, Ryan Van Ornum sits down with Celeste Bonin, pro athlete, fitness icon, and boss-level entrepreneur, to spill all the tea on how authenticity can take your performance and your life to the next level. From dominating the stage...

What if the key to scaling a business successfully wasn’t just funding, branding, or hiring the right people, but a founder’s lost “superpower”? On this episode of the Scaling Up Success Podcast, Ryan Van Ornum sits down with Eli Portnoy, serial entrepreneur and founder of Back Engine, to explore how startups can reclaim the CEO advantage, the unique ability to hear directly from customers, make f...